Nigerians Evacuated from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks

Nigerians evacuated from South Africa have shared their harrowing experiences of xenophobic attacks, detailing harassment and violence they faced. Among the returnees, Henri described the challenges he encountered with authorities during document checks, expressing frustration over discriminatory practices.

Emilia Godwin, another returnee, recounted her mistreatment and the worsening conditions for foreigners in South Africa since she moved there in 2014. She stated that she would not allow her child to be born in South Africa and expressed a strong desire to return to Nigeria, emphasizing that she would not go back to South Africa.

The Nigerian government is facilitating the evacuation of its citizens, with 270 Nigerians expected to arrive in Lagos on Thursday morning aboard an Air Peace aircraft. This evacuation comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has previously strained diplomatic relations across the continent.

The Nigerian government has also raised concerns about the harassment of its citizens by South African authorities.